Vic; Transport giant a Scrooge for axing 100 jobs, says union

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2000
Vic; Transport giant a Scrooge for axing 100 jobs, says union

The company behind Melbourne's Bayside Trains, V/Line passenger service and Swanston
Trams, has angered a key union by axing 100 jobs before Christmas.

Australian Services Union secretary RUSSELL ATWOOD says the company, National Express,
plans to cut its workforce by 100 at the close of business on December 22.

The union says it's outraged by the decision and has sought the help of the Australian
Industrial Relations Commission to resolve the matter.

Mr ATWOOD condemned what he terms the company's Scrooge-like actions.

He says the union had just negotiated a pay rise for its members which was signed off
last Thursday.

Mr ATWOOD says the job cuts appear to be the company's way of making the money to pay
for the increase.

A spokesperson for National Express was not immediately available to respond to the
union's claims.

AAP ra/jlw/hn/jx

KEYWORD: EXPRESS (MELBOURNE)

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